The Department of Defense is looking into ways to "pump up the security" for the team of Navy SEALs who helped kill Osama bin Laden after the commandos expressed concern for their safety and the safety of their families, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Thursday.
Gates made the comment in response to a question at a town hall meeting at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. A Marine asked what measures were being taken to protect "the identities and the lives" of the SEALs involved in the takedown of bin Laden in Pakistan a week ago, as well as other troops deployed in the region, from the threat of retaliation.
"We are very concerned about the security of our families – of your families and our troops, and also these elite units that are engaged in things like that. And without getting into any details ... I would tell you that when I met with the team last Thursday, they expressed a concern about that, and particularly with respect to their families," Gates told the audience.
"Frankly, a week ago Sunday, in the Situation Room, we all agreed that we would not release any operational details from the effort to take out bin Laden. That all fell apart on Monday, the next day."
Gates' comments offered the first insight into the mindset of the team members since they carried out the risky operation.
SEALs, short for Sea, Air and Land teams, are known as "quiet professionals." They keep a low profile because of the classified nature of their tactical operations.
The team, known as SEAL Team 6, is widely believed to have returned to American soil. But the unit is covered with such a degree of secrecy that the military won't confirm its presence.
The Marine's question underscored sentiment among military and intelligence communities that identification of the team signified an unprecedented breach of confidentiality.
Gates acknowledged the threat of retaliation against Team 6 and troops deployed in the region.
"There is an awareness that the threat of retaliation is increased because of the attacks – because of the action against bin Laden," he said. "The one thing I would tell you, though, is that I think there has been a consistent and effective effort to protect the identities of those who participated in the raid, and I think that has to continue."
A Pentagon spokesman later cautioned against interpreting Gates' response "as a criticism of any particular person or office."
"He was indeed voicing his concern about the breakdown in operational security after the killing of Bin Laden," Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Geoff Morrell said. "Anonymous sources revealing secret information about the tactics, training, and equipment of covert forces put at risk our ability to successfully mount similar missions in the future."
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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The only thing those guys are scared of are the well being of family members and putting stories out about where they are stationed and everything else does not help,they are the Seal Team are some of the bravest men in the world,they stay calm in the face of overwhelming odds and the bravado that proceeds them is earned,let them continue taking care of buisness and there will be no worry about terrorist attacks on them but the terrorist worrying about their well being.
sacasism is all you losers know and that is why you are limited to these kind of comments.
So your saying that the seal teams familys shouldn't be secured? What if that was you and your family was in danger? What would you say or do then? You would be doing the exact same thing as they are doing to protect your family. Also, anyone who thinks there is an agenda behind this is 3 fries short of a happy meal. Hooya
good call
Really what does Liberals/Conservations have to do with this. Everyone and their dog wanted this man DEAD...so a GREAT Thanks to the SEAL TEAM 6, I don't know why I should have to know what team did kill him or why people are concerned. I mean just use tax payers money and put an armed guard outside if it floats your boat at night. Sorry to be sarcastic be our nation is like 10 trillion in debt and we don't make anything...oh what a few cars,crops, and craftsman tools which I like hah but what the hell like I change anything right, libs love to spend spend spend spend spend... it's friday friday friday getting down on friday hahahaha
Is that a sarcasm?
I would love to respond to you post but I have no idea what "sacasism" means. Were you attempting to write "sarcasm"? If that was the case, then you are wrong...on both counts (grammar as well as substance).
And spelling is what you don't know.
Bravo !
Plz don't correct me michael, I have dyslexia. As for everyones thanks and praises to me & my fellow military comrades in arm`s, your welcome and I gladly do it all again. HOOOOOYA
Do you feel better? I am sure everyone understood his post. Some people are horrible at some things but great at other things. You are obviously great at being an ass.
Sheesh! Or is it "She'esh"! Put the exclamation point wherever you want!
Many people have problems with English, disabilities, and many reasons that spelling is difficult. To call them on it in a blog is very rude. Feel blessed that you do not have such, and, show kindness. It can be a very painful life trying to be "ok" in the normal world. Ridicule is not good.
By the way, oh master grammarian, the name of a language is capitlized, English, not english.
Great email, Michael. Love it. Too many people in this country who are content with ignorance.
And for the record, Team 6 was carrying out orders. Congrats to them for carrying out the mission that was handed to them.